Topic: Front drum brake on CB750?

[DME]

I´ve been offered to buy a complete front wheel from a CB450.

19" rim, single sided twin leading shoe drum brake, speedo drive, bushings.

No front axle.

Been thinking about putting it on my CB750 caferacer for a more classic look.

Has anyone done this?

Will my front axle fit (both uses 15 mm axle)?

What is the braking power like with a well adjusted  CB450 TLS drum brake?

Any info is much appreciated!

Cheers
Daniel

[cben750f0]

mate i cant help on the convertion, but i reckon those twin leading shoe front ends look unreal..... it a situation, know the brakes limitations, and rie to the....' again its a situation....' look is everything.... practicality is nothin'!!!!!!!!... keep us in the loop on this one if you do it...peace

[Bob Wessner]

It would be interesting to see. The pre-production/prototype 750 actually had a drum brake up front and it was like the 450's. Sorry for the crappy picture, it started as a bad B/W photo.

[ohiocaferacer]

I have both the twin leading shoe drum and single pot disc brakes on my bikes.....and to be honest.....they both work about the same in regards to stopping power and lever pull.

Overall....I prefer the drums over the single pot disc. Mostly because I hate working on old hydralic lines, with rusted bleeders and the like.......compared to the drums....with a simple turn of a couple nuts and everthing is adjusted just fine. Major importance with the twin leading shoe drum.....is to make sure you have the linkage adjusted properly and that both shoes are expanding at the same rate into the drum.....not difficult.....just attention to details.

Major thing is its personal preference......as braking performance is about the same.

Later,
Greg

[Jay B]

I've got the stock disc setup on my 350f and my 175 has a TLS drum (I know, much lighter bike) Stopping power seems about the same, but the disc has a more progressive action and is easier to modulate. I wouldn't be afraid of either one, I might convert my 350f over next winter to get the look.

[DME]

Ok, sounds like I should go ahead an do it, then...

Another question, how is the front brakelight switch hooked up on the 450?

Is it just a switch in/at/around the lever, or what? Perhaps there isn´t one at all?

Keep the info coming, guys....

Cheers
Daniel

[ohiocaferacer]

Another question, how is the front brakelight switch hooked up on the 450?

Is it just a switch in/at/around the lever, or what? Perhaps there isn´t one at all?

There is a push bottom type switch in the front brake perch. Also....you will probadly have to change out the right hand controls also....as the brake perch in built into the control housing.

Later,
Greg

[dusterdude]

the only thing about a drum i have an issue with is brake fade,if you`re racing or on the brakes a lot it can/will fade on you.

[DME]

Another question, how is the front brakelight switch hooked up on the 450?

Is it just a switch in/at/around the lever, or what? Perhaps there isn´t one at all?

There is a push bottom type switch in the front brake perch. Also....you will probadly have to change out the right hand controls also....as the brake perch in built into the control housing.

Later,
Greg

Ok, I see.

I will not replace my controls, though...

Could probably use a swtch from a modern sportsbike and attach it to a universal lever.

Are there brake cables around for these hubs or will I have to make my own?

Would be nice to have a good, factory made cable that doesn´t suddenly snap.....

Brake fading... Yes, I´m aware of the fact that it might be a downtrade from the disc, but this bike is all (or mostly) about looks....

When I need performance I´ll ride my Streetfighter 

[dusterdude]

yea,i do think the drum looks better

[bill440cars]

Are there brake cables around for these hubs or will I have to make my own?

Would be nice to have a good, factory made cable that doesn´t suddenly snap.....


           The cables are still pretty much available from some of the standard suppliers or on ebay.
    On ebay, you'll find quite often that the cables offered are longer for high bars. So , watch the length of them. I'm not sure, right off, what the standard length is but, if you'll check the details on the ebay listings, they will tell you about the length and all. As far as the wheel itself, if you don't have one already, (if you didn't already know) the early 450 (up through the 69' K1) had the drum and all the CL450s had drum brakes (74' was the last CL). I've kinda wondered about the conversion myself and I've got an early drum wheel from an XS650 Yamaha that I've thought about checking out fitting to a 500K but, I don't know if it'll be a done deal or not. Good luck with your project, looking forward to seeing what you do in that respect.  Later on,  Bill

[angeldeville]

it would be good for looks, I'm going with a 350 drum on my 750 chopper.

[paulyp]

I found this pic. Might give you an idea.

Cheers
Paul

[dusterdude]

damn,i got a woodie

[Steve B]

I highly recommend Vintage Brake for advice, parts, and service.

A drum with modern compounds and proper setup can easily out-perform the OEM disc.

http://www.vintagebrake.com/index.html

Steve

[DME]

Haven´t decided on wether to go the drum brake route or stay stock.

I can´t see that it would be too much hassle to fit it, waht I´m a bit concerned about is actually the look...

The 450 drum is a single sided drum and I really would like a double sided...

What to do, what to do 

The drum I´m offered looks like this and the seller wants 100$ for it. Don´t know how available these are or wther it´s a fair price?

Would probably rip it apart, polish the hub, and lace up a new rim once it´s fitted, just to match the rebuilt wheels the bike has now.

So, is it a fair price and should I go for it?


Cheers
Daniel

[bill440cars]

       If you want brake shoes on tach side, you can get an early  Suzuki GT750 or I think the GT500 or GT550 might have that setup. I know rh 750 did but, they do for top dollar. They are sought after for road racing. I don't know for sure what your wheel is but, I wouldn't want to pay that much for it.  Later on, Bill

[DME]

       If you want brake shoes on tach side, you can get an early  Suzuki GT750 or I think the GT500 or GT550 might have that setup. I know rh 750 did but, they do for top dollar. They are sought after for road racing. I don't know for sure what your wheel is but, I wouldn't want to pay that much for it.  Later on, Bill

If I had the choice I would go far a Grimeca double sided TLS hub. But they are pricey....

It is actually the price asked for this wheel that is putting me off a bit. Would cost even more after fitment and rebuild. Just don´t know if it´s worth the money. The effort is free 

Guess I´d better sleep on this decision.....

Daniel

[GroovieGhoulie]

I, for one, prefer the disc as far as looks.  I think front drums look frumpy. My opinion.

[fang]

That looks like a Suzuki T500 front drum to me. If I were going to go for the drum conversion I absolutely would switch to a 4-leading shoe brake, like the Early Suzuki GT750's.  You bike is big enough for the extra stopping power.

After I got it I would take it to a place that replaces drum brakes and clutches on 18-wheelers and have them replace the compound on the shoes (re-bond them) with a "Green Grabber" compound.  Brake technology has dramatically improved over the last 10 years -- even NOS stuff is crappy because they will dry out when on the shelf.  I can lift my rear wheel off the ground with the drum brake on my old Suzuki.

Peace and grease.
-fang

[DME]

I´ve given this project som e thpught over the weekend and I´ve decided not do to it.

As I wrote earlier, the thing I really want is a Grimeca or Fontana double sided, twin leading shoe brake.

Therefore I will wait for one of those to show up and not settle for anything less.


Cheers
Daniel

P.s. If anyone has one laying on the shelf, I´d be more than happy to take it off your hands. It would get a good home  D.s.